Project Yucatan

Each spring break, University of Florida Doctor of Audiology students and faculty travel to the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico to provide free hearing healthcare services to those in need. In Mexico, audiologic services are largely unavailable or too expensive for many who need it. Each year, University of Florida audiology students, UF pharmacy students, and University of Oklahoma audiology students team up with local organizations in Mexico including AYPRODA and DIF. UF SAA students volunteer and spend a week in the Yucatan to participate in a team healthcare providers who conduct audiologic screenings. We administer audiometric evaluations including otoscopy, tympanometry, standard audiometric screenings, and electrophysiologic testing. We also clean hearing aids, provided free batteries, make earmold impressions, and fit newly diagnosed individuals with donated hearing aids. Each patient is also seen by pharmacy volunteers where the students provided vitamins, toothbrushes, baby food, over the counter medicines. Patients who are identified through the screening process with a hearing loss and need treatment are sent for follow up care with AYPRODA and DIF. AYPRODA and DIF work to follow up with patients throughout the year after the initial screening process. We work closely with these organizations who provide much support and follow up care regarding Project Yucatan. Clinic supplies were donated to AYPRODA so that they can continue to help hearing impaired individuals throughout the year.

In each year in five days, University of Florida audiology and pharmacy students and faculty provide quality audiologic and medical care to over 1,000 patients. This year, we set a new record in terms of number. But more importantly, we were able to provide care that these individuals otherwise may never have received. And in return, we were given the opportunity to learn and further experience clinical practice, and develop skills and confidence that we can use to become better professionals. We were also given beautiful memories of the people, and their joyous spirits, endless hospitality and gratitude. We all feel incredibly blessed to have had this opportunity and we thank AYPRODA and the Yucatan for such a beautiful gift!

If you would like to support Project Yucatan Audiology, please make tax deductible checks payable to the “UF Foundation, Fund #017423” and mail to
Project Yucatan
PHHP Development
PO Box 103565
Gainesville, FL 32610

Online donations can be made clicking on the “Make a Gift” icon at the bottom of this page. Please note Project Yucatan in the comments section of the form.